Cosmic Tree Essentials grew out of Beth's search for a natural alternative to mass market cosmetics. "I'm sensitive to the irritants in many cosmetics, particularly formaldehyde donor preservatives. I'd had a bad reaction to a mascara during my university years and developed contact dermatitis on my hands that was aggravated each time I washed my hair with mainstream shampoos and conditioners. While I was living in Vancouver, in my twenties, a friend introduced me to essential oils. I began signing up for workshops to learn how to make potted lip glosses and cold creams. Those early blends of essential oils and other plant oils and butters felt good on my skin—I haven’t had contact dermatitis since—and made me feel more grounded and connected to the earth. The vision for Cosmic Tree Essentials came into focus when I was visiting the Mayan ruins of Caracol in Belize. Our guide showed us a towering Ceiba tree and spoke about the significance of the Cosmic Tree for the Maya—a symbol of the interconnectedness of all life, rooted deep in the earth, its branches outstretched to cradle the heavens. I felt called to create natural cosmetics from botanicals—plant oils, butters, distillates, essential oils and extracts—to help others feel a sense of groundedness and connectedness to the earth through their personal care rituals.”